Hobbit Music Studio

About this pro

Hobbit Music Studio - Where a Lifelong Journey With Music Begins
* Piano * Guitar * Voice * Song Writing
I have a natural ability to be a very good teacher. I view teaching as an art form. I relate very well to children of all ages and teach adults. It is one thing to know and excel at performing an instrument, but it takes an entirely different skill set and temperament to affectively share and teach that skill to others of all ages. I'm very relational. I have 16 years of private instruction experience, and specialize in teaching improv, piano/voice, piano/guitar, and adults. I also train musicians to be singing dueling pianists. Another added benefit is I teach online, and l have a YouTube channel to post instructional videos. I can offer visual tutorial videos for my students to learn from. I strive to learn and use technology to help teach my students.
I am also a very active musician and full time professional traveling Dueling Piano Performer. I co-own a piano entertainment company Dueling Hobbits Productions that entertains at events all over the Midwest out of St Louis and here in Portland. Learning from a teacher with a myriad of real world performance experience playing solo piano, in cover bands, tribute bands, at churches, for musicals, weddings, and dueling piano shows allows me to offer real world examples and encouragement to all my students whatever their goals or applications for learning music may be.
I enjoy teaching. I'm very passionate about both music and the art of teaching. You can be an expert at what you do but be terrible at teaching it.
I feel I'm blessed with both teaching and musical talents. I enjoy finding creative ways to teach unique minds. Teaching never feels like work to me.

17 years in business

20 hires on Thumbtack

1 employee

Background check

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for value, punctuality, and work quality.

5.0

23 reviews

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Hobbit Music Studio is a Top Pro

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack. Only 4% of Thumbtack professionals currently qualify for Top Pro status.

Jill R.

Shannon at Hobbit Music Studio did a great job with communication if lesson times needed to be adjusted, he wrote custom piano lesson plans based on my son's ability and interests, and was good at keeping my easily distractable son focused. Highly recommend him!

Aug 3, 2018

Heather D.

As an adult looking for beginner lessons I was a bit nervous at first but I'm very happy that I found Shannon. He is easy to work with and keeps my lessons interesting so that I'm continuously progressing. He's very versatile in his style and I believe I'm learning more from him because he is a working professional musician. If you are looking for piano lessons I highly recommend checking him out!

Aug 1, 2018Verified

Anna B.

An experienced musician and music teacher, who is flexible and receptive, and who tailors curriculum to teach student's preference. As a result you get a student excited about music lessons-rare occurrence!

Jul 11, 2018Verified

Ladessa G.

Shannon is very kind and caring, he is working with my 11 yr old son, he is able to keep my son engaged and excited.

May 2, 2018Verified

Edna C.

I love the fact he teaches my girl all the essential elements of piano and how to be good at it. He always give her positive remarks which boost up her enthusiasm, eagerness and confidence to be good at what she likes. He has been a very good and positive mentor to her. Overall he is indeed an amazing instructor and a master in the art of piano.

Feb 25, 2018Verified

Photos and Videos

9 photos and 8 videos

Payment methods

cash, Paypal, Venmo

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

FREE ENROLLMENT LESSON:
The first piano enrollment session and consultation is FREE. Every student gets a free 45-60 minute lesson, assessment, and consultation before choosing the enrollment lesson package best for them. I will introduce new students to my method, custom curriculum, policies, make recommendations, and we discuss your goals. I want students to feel confident that I am the best fit to both teach them and help them meet their goals as a student and musician. I do not overbook myself. I keep a waiting list. I am looking for students that are the best fit for my program.
PRICING:
The rates for my lesson packages reflect my diversity of performance experience, instruction experience, college education, proven custom curriculum, and my ability to teach multiple instruments, genres, and styles (classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, country, christian, broadway):
30 minute weekly lesson packages start at $140 per month
45 minutes weekly lesson packages start at $210 per month
60 minutes weekly lesson packages start at $280 per month.
HOME SCHOOLING and ADULT LESSON DISCOUNTS
My wife and I home school our four children. We offer discounts to home schooling families or adults who wish to take lessons between 9am - 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Discount Lesson packages start at $125 per month.
Pricing discounts, multiple instrument lesson options, home performance kit options, and recitals are all available if you sign up for a 12 session lesson package in advance, or a 24 session lesson package in advance. Detailed lesson packages and pricing will be given out at the intro lesson. All workbooks and custom curriculum are provided and included in the packaged pricing. You will not be required to purchase any method books to get started.
PAYMENTS:
Payments are due the first week of each month, or whenever you need to renew your lesson package. We accept cash, check, PayPal, or Venmo payments.
CANCELLATIONS:
If you need to cancel for any reason, and you cancel with 24 hours notice, I offer a video makeup lesson the same day. Students who choose longer lesson packages will be allowed one makeup lesson per quarter. My most successful students have a minimum of one lesson per week. Consistency, accountability, and creating regular practice habits are the keys to success.
PRACTICING:
Students are required to document their practices every week. Parents are expected to partner with me in tracking and recording the student's practice time each week. We will set clear achievable goals and rewards best suited for each students age and ability.
VACATION:
Larger lesson packages are discounted and provide students with the opportunity to pause lessons for 1-2 weeks during summers and vacations. Holidays are exceptions and lessons are often optional if we are both in town during holiday weeks.
HOBBIT MUSIC STUDIO LOCATION:
All lessons take place at my home studio on the western side of Tigard, Oregon, just south of Beaverton, OR.
ONLINE SESSIONS:
I offer online lessons nationwide for adults and students with previous piano experience.
- a minimum of 2 years of training / experience is recommended to be a good fit for learning online
- a minimum age of 10 years old is recommended unless a parent can attend the online lesson
Online piano training packages start at $135 per month!

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I offer a free enrollment lesson, consultation, and assessment. I want to be confident I am both a good fit to teach my students, and that my students are a good fit for my studio. I want the student to feel comfortable with my personality and talent level. I ask a lot of questions to best understand why each student wants lessons and what the end goals are for them so I can tailor a teaching plan specific to there learning style and goals as a musician.
After the free lesson and consultation students ready to learn from me choose a lesson package and begin paying for their lessons at the packed monthly rate. They leave the free introductory lesson with exercises to begin practicing.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I studied privately with multiple degreed piano instructors for 14 yrs. I have a BA Degree in Music Luther College with emphasis on classical piano and composition. I have 19 years of paid professional performance, composition, and arranging experience. I am classically trained but have taken courses in jazz and improvisation and worked privately with a professional jazz player and dance accompanist for a year in college. I improvised for dance classes for 3 years in college as work study. I have directed and performed in choirs and musicals. I have also composed incidental music for various theater productions in Chicago and scored electronic music for an amateur documentary film.